Wednesday, October 26, 2011

carolina shout

Ninety years ago, this player piano roll titan pioneered Harlem Stride with this jazz standard. James P. Johnson developed his style playing Classical and Ragtime in bars, parties, and vaudeville. As his reputation grew, he became a popular session man and produced many piano rolls in his name. For many, 'Carolina Shout' is the definitive stride piano piece. The style brings blue notes and swing rhythms into the classic sound of Ragtime. Typically, the right hand plays the melody while the left hand makes dramatic improvisational leaps around the keyboard. 'Carolina Shout' made Johnson the "Father of Stride" and is considered the first recorded jazz piano solo.